In a separate enforcement action, the AFP has charged another Melbourne resident—also aged 32 and originally from Afghanistan—with two counts of breaching reporting requirements attached to his Commonwealth visa.
The arrest took place on 1 February 2026 after the man allegedly ignored directions to present himself to the Department of Home Affairs. Under s 76B of the Migration Act, each breach can attract up to five years’ jail and a A$99,000 fine. (afp.gov.au)
If you’re unsure about the precise obligations that attach to a visa—or need practical tools to help an employee stay compliant—VisaHQ offers step-by-step guidance, deadline reminders and document management for Australian permits, all in one secure dashboard: https://www.visahq.com/australia/
![Afghanistan-born man charged for failing to report to Home Affairs]()
Immigration lawyers note that reporting requirements—typically weekly or fortnightly check-ins at a service centre—are increasingly being applied to non-citizens released from closed detention. Electronic reporting apps are being trialled but failure to check in, even once, is treated as a serious offence.
The case illustrates how quickly administrative obligations can become criminal liabilities, with important implications for corporate mobility teams supporting vulnerable assignees or refugees on bridging visas. HR managers should maintain multiple contact channels and offer transport or translation assistance where necessary.
The defendant will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 2 February. The AFP says the investigation remains open.
The arrest took place on 1 February 2026 after the man allegedly ignored directions to present himself to the Department of Home Affairs. Under s 76B of the Migration Act, each breach can attract up to five years’ jail and a A$99,000 fine. (afp.gov.au)
If you’re unsure about the precise obligations that attach to a visa—or need practical tools to help an employee stay compliant—VisaHQ offers step-by-step guidance, deadline reminders and document management for Australian permits, all in one secure dashboard: https://www.visahq.com/australia/
Immigration lawyers note that reporting requirements—typically weekly or fortnightly check-ins at a service centre—are increasingly being applied to non-citizens released from closed detention. Electronic reporting apps are being trialled but failure to check in, even once, is treated as a serious offence.
The case illustrates how quickly administrative obligations can become criminal liabilities, with important implications for corporate mobility teams supporting vulnerable assignees or refugees on bridging visas. HR managers should maintain multiple contact channels and offer transport or translation assistance where necessary.
The defendant will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 2 February. The AFP says the investigation remains open.
